The Easiest Bread You’ll Ever Make

Yeasted bread has never been easier, folks. This simple mixing method produces the most beautiful and crusty cranberry walnut no-knead bread with practically zero hands-on work. And trust me, this recipe is one you’re going to memorize, and for good reason!

You see, I’m not a self-proclaimed bread person. In fact, I used to be utterly terrified of the thought of making homemade bread. The kneading, the rising, the shaping – it all sounded like an absolute nightmare to me. That is, until I discovered this game-changing no-knead cranberry walnut bread.

Home Cooking Rocks has quickly become my go-to for all things baking and bread-related, and this recipe is a shining example of why. With just a few simple ingredients and an 18-hour rise time, you’ll have a loaf of crusty, chewy, and utterly irresistible cranberry walnut bread on your hands. Believe me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.

The Secret Ingredient: Time

Now, I know what you’re thinking – 18 hours for bread? That’s insane! But trust me, this long rise time is the key to the bread’s incredible flavor and texture. During this fermentation process, the gluten in the dough develops, creating a lovely chew, while the yeast works its magic to give you those perfect air bubbles and that stunning crust.

The best part? You don’t have to do a thing during those 18 hours! Just mix up the dough, cover it, and let it do its thing on the counter. It’s the ultimate in “set it and forget it” baking.

While the long rise time might seem daunting, I promise it’s worth it. This bread will change the way you think about homemade bread forever. No more kneading, no more complicated shaping – just a few minutes of mixing and you’re on your way to bread bliss.

Cranberries and Walnuts: The Perfect Pairing

Now, what really sets this cranberry walnut bread apart is the delicious addition of – you guessed it – cranberries and walnuts. These two ingredients add such a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures to the bread, making each bite a true delight.

The tart, plump cranberries provide a lovely burst of freshness, while the toasted walnuts lend a satisfying crunch and nutty goodness. It’s the kind of bread that you just can’t stop reaching for, no matter how full you are.

And the best part? The cranberries and walnuts are completely customizable. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste. Not a fan of walnuts? Swap them out for pecans or almonds. Prefer a little less tartness? Go lighter on the cranberries. The possibilities are endless!

Sally’s Baking Addiction has a fantastic recipe that inspired this one, and I’ve taken a few cues from their method to really make this bread shine. But I’ve also put my own spin on it, adding a touch of honey for extra sweetness and playing around with the cranberry-to-walnut ratio until I found the perfect balance.

Baking in a Dutch Oven: The Secret to a Stunning Crust

Now, let’s talk about the baking method. The key to this bread’s incredible crust is baking it in a Dutch oven. The lid of the Dutch oven traps the steam inside, creating the perfect environment for that signature crackly, golden-brown crust.

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, don’t worry – you can still achieve amazing results. The Busy Baker has a great method for baking the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, with a pan of boiling water in the oven to create that all-important steam.

No matter which method you choose, the end result will be the same: a loaf of bread that’s literally impossible to resist. Seriously, once you slice into this baby, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop at just one piece.

The Bread That’ll Make You a Bread Person

I’ll admit, I used to be one of those people who thought homemade bread was way too complicated and time-consuming. But this cranberry walnut no-knead bread has completely changed my tune. It’s so easy, so delicious, and so worth the (very minimal) effort.

In fact, I’ve made this bread four times in the past two weeks, and I’m not even a little bit sorry about it. It’s just that good. And the best part? I know the recipe by heart now, which means I can whip up a fresh loaf anytime the craving strikes.

So, if you’re like me and you’ve always been a little intimidated by the idea of homemade bread, I urge you to give this recipe a try. Trust me, it’ll turn you into a bread person faster than you can say “crusty crust.” And you know what they say – the more bread, the merrier!

Cooking for My Soul has a fantastic version of this recipe that’s well worth checking out, too. But no matter which recipe you choose, one thing’s for sure: you’re in for a truly unforgettable bread-baking experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowl, your Dutch oven, and let’s get to work on the best cranberry walnut bread you’ve ever tasted. Your taste buds (and your belly) will thank you!